No Bake Protein Brownies

5 from 8 votes

A fudge-like brownie recipe that is nut free, gluten free, and super delicious. Made with cocoa or carob powder.

Prep Time10

Chilling Time15

Total Time25

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Vegan, Vegetarian

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: bars

Author: Alicia

1 cup 8 scoops/120 grams protein powder (I used Sprout Living pumpkin seed protein powder)
¼ cup roasted carob powder or cocoa powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup sunflower seed butter
½ cup pure maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup water
sea salt (optional)

Add the protein powder, carob powder, salt, sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and water to a food processor. Process by pulsing, scraping down the sides as needed, until fully combined.
Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Dump the brownie mixture out of the food processor into the pan and firmly press it into an even layer. If the brownies are oily on top, you can use a paper towel to blot the oil.
Add carob chips and coconut oil to a small bowl and microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring in between each time, until the chips are fully melted.
Drizzle the melted carob over the bars, then place the pan into the freezer for 15 minutes to harden the topping and firm up the brownies so that they’re easier to cut.
Remove the pan from the freezer and hold the edges of the parchment paper to remove the brownies from the pan. Place the parchment-lined brownies on a cutting board and use a knife to cut the brownies into 9 squares. Sprinkle sea salt on top, if using. Enjoy!

I noticed that if I over-processed the brownie mix it would get more oily. Pulsing seemed to work best. If it does get oily, you can just blot off the top.
The chocolate/carob chips can be drizzled on top.
I used Sprout Living Pumpkin Seed protein powder, Anthony's or Missy J's for carob powder and carob chips, and Sunbutter no added sugar for recipe testing. These are all HYH compliant.